featured Project

Beauty licensing is broken. States require more from beauty professionals than from workers in many other jobs. For example, on average, states require more education and experience for cosmetologists, makeup artists, manicurists, and skin care specialists than they do for entry-level emergency medical technicians. That doesn’t make sense, and it isn’t fair. IJ believes beauty professionals deserve better. That’s why we launched Beauty, Not Barriers, a project dedicated to working with beauty professionals to change state laws that make it too difficult and too costly to work in the industry.

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Our Issue Areas

Learn More About Economic Liberty

Economic Liberty

IJ believes that all people have the right to earn an honest living in the occupation of their choice without arbitrary, unnecessary, or protectionist government interference.

Learn More About Private Property

Private Property

IJ defends the right of all Americans to own and enjoy their property free from unjust seizures, searches, and fines.

Learn More About First Amendment

First Amendment

IJ fights for the right to speak freely about the issues that matter most to ordinary people and to defend the free flow of information essential to democratic government and free enterprise.

Learn More About Educational Choice

Educational Choice

IJ stands for the idea that every child deserves a chance at a great education and that all parents, regardless of means, should enjoy the freedom to direct their children’s education.

Our Projects

Learn More About Civil Forfeiture

Civil Forfeiture

Unlike criminal forfeiture, which takes property from convicted criminals, civil forfeiture does not require property owners to be convicted of a crime—or even charged with one—to permanently lose their cash, cars, businesses or even their homes.

Learn More About Food Freedom

Food Freedom

All individuals have the right to produce, advertise, sell, procure, and consume the foods of their choice. IJ ensures they can use these rights to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities.